Current format of summative assessment and usefulness of WPBA in Pediatric Surgery

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

In this study, there has been attempt to explore the importance of Paediatric surgery in a holistic context. The main focus of the research was on the evaluation of trainee who participated in the exam related to Paediatric Surgery. Workplace Based Assessments (WPBA) was used for the proper evaluation of the students and trainers to collect appropriate feedback from them. One of the most important tools that were used for data collection was the usage of Semi-structured interview and the evaluation was then based on Miller's pyramid of clinical competence. There was basically a pilot study which was used during the research. The major reasons because of which these methods were followed in this research were to find out the leaning of the trainers that they gained during their study period. The interviews proved to be a useful source for the collection of data that was necessary to be used for the evaluation. It is quite understood that this topic has several implications that will prove to be useful for many researchers involved in this particular topic. Therefore, all the issues related to these concepts have been discussed in detail.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the study1

Problem Statement1

Research Aims and Objectives2

Rationale/Nature of the Study2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY6

Overview of the Mixed Method Research Approach6

Research Method6

Interview Design7

Informed Consent7

Validity8

Ethical Considerations9

Assessment Criteria9

Major issues associated with aim and research questions9

Critical issues surrounding the methodology11

Critical issues surrounding the analysis of the data14

Knowledge of the Literature16

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION18

Scope18

Limitations18

Recommendations19

REFERENCES20

APPENDICES22



CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The study is related with the summative assessment and its appeal in the current format in pediatric surgery. The importance of pediatric surgery is quite high in the medical field. The exit exam in pediatric surgery is usually written after years of training. The total training duration is six years. The precise intention is to explore trainees and trainers thoughts on different facets of the exam which could better be assessed during the Workplace Based Assessments (WPBA) environment. From the education point of view, students have learnt the importance of the assessment of the practice of the doctor in a natural environment of workplace rather than in an artificial environment of exam settings. A pilot part of the study will be conducted and the interview technique would be applied to get views of colleagues locally in Southampton. The enquiry would be based on Miller's pyramid of clinical competence. The exit exam in its current format comprises of a written ...